Deep Seabed Mining in the Indian Ocean: Economic and Strategic Dimensions

Book excerpt: The book looks at the need of minerals for humanity, how and what the oceans offer as minerals in general, the technological developments achieved and the insight into future technologies and designs in this field before finally focusing on the mineral wealth of the Indian Ocean. It eventually poses some tough questions that need answers if deep seabed mining is to become a success in the future. In addition, it discusses the efforts of the key players in this field operating in the Indian ocean that has rejuvenated the deep seabed mining both economically and strategically. Since, commercial profitability of marine minerals occurs only if the demand is greater than the supply, at times, the decision gets governed by strategic reasoning. Hence, the book aims to give an idea of the driving forces that guide such decision-making and the development of deep seabed mining.